Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

COVID19 Update -- programs and services remain fully operational, new program applications accepted on an ongoing basis


Certificate in Applied Web Development and Design Program

• 6 month online web development and design training
• students have opportunity to build a fully functional e-commerce ready website

Online Career Assistance

• tools and resources to research career options, and business ideas and planning
• job search assistance and support

COVID-19 -- services and hours may be impacted, check ahead

Business plan and related consultations by appointment, with meetings held at convenient downtown public locations

BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS not available at this location

Walk in service and business registrations available at North York Civic Centre and Scarborough Civic Centre locations -- see separate listings

COVID19 Online self-directed programming available, visit JA Canada for details

Interactive programs encourage students to stay in school and to develop entrepreneurial, leadership and life skills, such as financial literacy and work readiness; volunteer opportunities

Services:

• pre-launch coaching and online business support to create new businesses
• financing
• mentoring and networking
• non-traditional lending criteria for loans to entrepreneurs with business plans who agree to work with mentors for up to 2 years, and are unable to raise finances from other sources
• resources and programs for former Canadian Forces personnel as well as Black, and Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to start a business
• existing youth-owned businesses may access online services

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 -- In-person service and programs may be impacted -- contact ahead


Intensive 1 year career and business development assistance

• bi-weekly career coaching, group development, workshops
• matches client with business leaders and professionals for coaching and skills training

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment services
• job matching, paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship, education and work transition supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

Employment preparation

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• labour market information
• training and work placement opportunities
• workshops on job search techniques
• resume writing support
• interview skills
• mentorship
• support during the process of developing and launching a business

Pre-departure services for immigrants -- preparation prior to arrival, after arrival and support for employment and integration in the workplace

• 8 week pottery program for women and gender diverse individuals impacted by homelessness, mental health issues or trauma
• access to creative and therapeutic classes
• creative skill building and networking
• membership in studio includes access to selling work in Studio storefront, online shops and outside festivals

A program of YWCA Toronto

Comprehensive employment and job search services; assessment of skills, interests and experience; job search strategies, including resume preparation; information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities; on-the-job training, work experience; help in maintaining employment; information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario Program
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers
Help in identifying human resource skills requirements; matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience; support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees; available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Offices open by appointment only, no walk-in, services through online initiatives, contact via email or visit website

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

• Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• upport for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Works Employment Essentials Program -- 6 weeks program

Loan program assists with small and emerging businesses, and relaunching careers

Small Business Loan Program (SBL):

• Microloans up to $10,000 to individuals with a business idea who are unable to access funds through banks or other lenders
• assistance in developing business plan

Women's Business Accelerator Program (WBA):

• Workshop series for newcomer women interested in starting a business
• topics include business planning, marketing, financial forecasting, and financial management

Small Business Accelerator Program (SBA):

• Facilitated workshops provide free training to individuals with businesses or ideas in early stage of development one-on-one business coaching
• topics include business planning, marketing, financial issues, taxes

Client Business Directory available online

Designed to reduce administration and overhead costs by sharing space and amenities

• consulting, incubation
• variety of tenants from social, environmental and cultural sectors

TechSoup Canada, www.techsoupcanada.ca -- provides nonprofit organizations with information technology support including technology donations, resources and community

Other location -- CSI Annex, 720 Bathurst St

COVID-19 -- in-person services and programs may be impacted; consult website for updates

Small business development and support programs

• evening seminars on various aspects of running a business

Business Incubation Programs

• flexible, short term rental space
• business advisory support
• resources and tools appropriate to the business venture's stage of development
• access to office equipment

Entrepreneurial Programs

Ontario Works Self-Employment Development (OWSED) Program -- for persons currently receiving social assistance

• combination of in-class instruction and independent study in the areas of business planning, finances, sales and marketing
• participants are required to complete a business plan during the training phase
• ongoing business advisory support available for 1 year while participants are registered in the program

Business Inc. -- advice, resources and networking at various Toronto Public Library locations

• offered spring and fall

BIZ Futures -- 40 week skill development and business support program for adults with disabilities wishing to start and manage a small business on a full or part-time basis

International Soft-Landing Program (ISLP) -- for small to medium sized international enterprises looking to enter the local market

• 6 month program provides assistance with resources, access to incubators, networking/partnering opportunities

Start-up Visa Program (SUV) -- for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to establish high-growth businesses in Canada

• competitive application process -- see information on website

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 -- in-person service may be available -- check ahead; most services remain virtual

Comprehensive employment and job search services * assessment of skills, interests and experience * job search strategies, including resume preparation * information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities * on-the-job training, work experience * help in maintaining employment * information and referral to other employment and community services



Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements * matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience * support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees * available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection -- paid pre-employment training * job matching * paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers * mentorship * education and work transitions supports

Youth Job Connection Summer -- summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

COVID-19 -- in-person service may be available -- check ahead; most services remain virtual; Lighthouse Project online and distance training available; new referrals and intakes assessed over the phone; Youth Collaboration Program call 416-504-5516 ext 262 or ext 267 or email csr@yes.on.ca to register



Individual and group employment counselling, assessment, job postings, referral and follow up * employability improvement, integration into workforce * job search workshops, newcomer services, self-marketing, entrepreneurship * financial literacy course



Bizstart Entrepreneurship -- full-time, six month entrepreneurship training program helping youth start a business * offers training in marketing, business planning, management, web design and other topics * youth are matched with a mentor from business community



Lighthouse Project -- career exploration program offering labour market research and interview preparation * also offers self care and stress management strategies * 12 week paid work placement tailored to individual interests and needs



Student services -- summer and year round employment service for youth 15-30 years seeking work * workshops * volunteer and co-op placements

Summer Company -- entrepreneurship program for students aged 15-30 looking to start their own business during summer break * participants receive funding and support



Youth Collaboration Program -- helps youth find employment through group-based employment and life skills training * paid work experience placement may be offered upon completion of the training

COVID19 -- most staff working remotely, call or email for program intake and support

In-person court services, and visits to Vanier Centre suspended, Market Place closed due to COVID restrictions

---------------- --------------------

Transitional housing, counselling, community, court and outreach programs

Phyllis Haslam Residence -- transitional residence for women on parole

• staffed 24 hours
• individual and group counselling, practical assistance
• referral and support to plan for release
• capacity 14, also 2 satellite apartments for independent community living, 1 for woman with a child

General Counselling -- individual and group counselling supports and workshops for women in the community dealing with social, economic and justice issues

• provides information pertaining to legal rights, health and safety and alternatives to at-risk behaviours
• programs include parenting, immigrant family law, anger management, theft and fraud, healing from abuse and trauma, domestic/gender based violence, substance abuse and gambling support

Reintegration Counselling -- individual and group counselling for women on provincial probation and parole

• clients provided with skills to develop alternatives to theft, fraud, substance use behaviours and poor decision making

Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) --individual and group counselling and psycho-educational support for women who have experienced gender-based trauma

Direct Accountability Program (DAP) -- provides alternatives to prosecution for individuals charged with minor criminal offences, operates at the College Park court

Partner Abuse Response program -- 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

BEST (Building Employment Strategies Together) -- individual and group support for women to develop a job search plan

• communication skills, resume writing, financial literacy, identifying career training programs and job placement

My Start-Up Entrepreneurship Program -- self-employment entrepreneurship training and support program for women who want to start their own business

• idea generator sessions, employment skills workshop, support developing business ideas and low interest loans
• in partnership with Rise Asset Development at University of Toronto

Record Suspension (Pardon) Information Services -- assistance with submitting a pardon application with the National Parole Board of Canada

Talk and Listen Phone Line, 1-855-924-3708 -- assists women calling from institutions to navigate the criminal justice system

• information and resources on legal information, housing, mental health services, reintegration, release planning
• does not make third part calls or call on anyone's behalf

College Park Court Program -- practical assistance and support, information to women and their families navigating the court system

• assistance with referrals, information and resources
• free snacks, clothing, personal hygiene items for women released on bail

Vanier Centre for Women -- social and recreation program, provides information and resources about Elizabeth Fry Toronto and other community supports

The Market Place -- for marginalized women particularly those recently released from incarceration

• in-house service provides free personalized shopping allowing women to pick up clothing, food, supplies and other needed items

COVID-19 -- staff working remotely until further notice, contact via email recommended


Microfinancing, mentorship and support for entrepreneurs

Small Business Lending -- low interest business loans ; business financing up to $10,000 ; in partnership with Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (see separate entry) and University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

Youth Small Business Program -- for youth 16-29 years ; free 10-week online program including business coaching to develop a viable business plan ; refurbished laptop supplied if needed ; post program grant for business start-up available

EnterpRISEing Youth -- for youth 16-29 years ; free self-directed and self-paced online course to develop a viable business plan ; Rise business advisor available to consult

EnterpRISEing Youth Plus -- free 8-week online course, with virtual classroom support and coaching available

Event Lending -- small, short term loans to cover expenses in attending events to showcase or sell your product

Peer Support Start-up Program-- 8-week program includes education, advisory and mentorship sessions

COVID-19 Update: in-person and walk-in service has resumed; virtual services are still available

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment * information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training
• job matching
• paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship
• education and work transitions supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Settlement services
Individual assistance with immigration, orientation and other settlement-related issues

• information and referral
• identification documents, applying for government benefits/services, housing, legal issues and accessing healthcare services
• employment education and support
• group settlement sessions
• client advocacy support

Group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees (all ages)
Trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist with language learning in English language settlement groups, orienting to new community, and establishing social and professional networks

• volunteering and civic engagement
• financial literacy
• skills and career development
• free immigration legal clinics

Newcomer Youth Program for youth 13-24 years

• leadership training
• entrepreneurship
• homework club
• one-to-one help with resume writing and job search skills
• post-secondary and scholarship applications
• computer drop-in
• mentorship
• sports clubs and recreation
• art and design activities
• volunteer program
• civic engagement activities
• Individual and group mental health and wellness support